THE community of Maida stands out among its neighbouring counterparts. Perhaps its uniqueness is owed to its rustic look, its simplistic yet beautiful appearance, or its easygoing people. But even if it is all of these things, the community also blends into the captivating Corentyne countryside while still retaining certain characteristics that make it different.

Little is known about the community of Maida. It is located after the villages of Bushlot and Bushlot Farm. The village’s nearest town is Rosehall. Life in Maida is coupled with fresh air, farm lands, and fruit trees. This may be why some people from the village have not made the three-hour trip to the capital city in years. Maida shares history with communities like Liverpool, Lancaster, and Manchester.

Like most communities of the Corentyne, Maida was built on a foundation of farming. Years ago, farming was more than a job during the village’s birth; it was a means of survival. As time progressed and the village grew, so did the work of the people of Maida. Today, the village boasts a variety of small businesses, entrepreneurs, and ambitious young people. Having a population as scarce as it does, it is impressive how far the community has come, and it is exciting to see just how far the little village will go.

Deoraj Ramphal is one of Maida’s residents, and he is seemingly as ambitious as the rest of the community. Known locally as ‘Tailor’, Deoraj came from the village of Limlair, which could be found several miles before the community of Maida. At an early age, Doeraj learnt to appreciate people and their differences. The village that Deoraj grew up in was a mixed community. He describes his home as one of the most peaceful places he has ever known, which gave him the happiest years of his life.

The boyhood days Deoraj described paints a picture of life in the countryside at its best. He said his childhood was starkly different to the childhood he gave his children. “It was a really happy time in my life, living in Limlair,” he said. “Me and friends would go to the backdam, bathe in the trenches, and raise donkeys and horses. We used to do all kinds of things.”

Deoraj’s drive and hardworking nature were evident at an early stage. Earning the title of tailor before he completed high school, sewing would go on to be something he excelled at. But only one of the jobs he would later take on. “I used to go to learn at a tailor shop in Limlair,” he said. He began by simply ironing clothes. Deoraj went on to learn how to cut and sew simple designs, before learning to make suits, intricate pieces, and captivating wedding dresses. Life brought Deoraj to the community of Maida more than 40 years ago. “I ended up in Maida, and this house lot was being sold,” he said. “And I bought it for two thousand dollars.” He does not recall exactly why he settled in the village, but he knew it would be the place he called home for many years.

Deoraj said that the community of Maida at that time resembled fields of lush green grass more than a community of colourful homes and shops as it does today. In the trying times since then, Deoraj says that Maida has transformed, going from a village that was entirely farming and farmlands to a community now known for its small businesses ideal for pit stops along the Corentyne. “Maida has seen a big difference since I came here,” Deoraj said, adding that his first years in the community were difficult ones, due to the close-knit community’s initial reluctance to accept a new face.

Over time, Deoraj and his family worked to forge lasting relationships with his neighbours. The people of Maida seem to be ambitious at heart, as the villages are littered with businesses of all kinds, from one end to the other. Although not as prominent as in years gone by, farming is still done by the people of Maida. But today, most people farm while working to provide other forms of income. Deoraj himself is a watermelon farmer. Although still a tailor at heart, Deoraj has undertaken a new venture with his family’s help. On the surface, the community of Maida may not seem interesting to many, but it is unique, and is, without a doubt, a special place to call home with some very special people.